An era is coming to an end in Darlington with the closure of the town’s most famous independent shop, and Northern Echo readers have expressed their sadness and well wishes to Guru’s owner, Beryl Hankin.
Guru Boutique is a Darlington institution, having been in the town since 1972, and is considered an important North East landmark.
Owner Beryl Hankin, one of Darlington’s best-known personalities, has decided not to renew the lease on the Blackwellgate shop, though the business will continue to trade online.
She revealed that the sudden death of her beloved husband, Ray, in December 2021, coupled with her own ongoing cancer fight, had made her re-evaluate her life.
Read more: Legendary Darlington shop to close after 51 years as a town treasure
The decision was made jointly with her fellow “Gurus”, Tony Smith and Colin Harrison, whose loyalty to the business has been a huge part of the success story.
When the story broke today (Monday, February 20) Northern Echo readers rushed to comment on social media on their shock and sympathy.
Lesley Ross said: “Isn’t this sad Darlington won’t be the same without Guru.”
Debbie Burt said: “I’d like to wish you all in your new venture and congratulate you on so many years of success with your little gem Guru.”
Read more: Darlington boutique owner's shock over £1600 bill because the shop 'has two doors'
Gillian Scotchman said: “My favourite shop in the 70s – still got my ‘Afghan’ coat that I bought in from 1978!”
Fiona Henry McGarry said: “A trip into Darlington shopping will never be the same again! Popping into see you all and finding bits and bobs and cards… and copious amounts of earrings, beads and jewellery and all! You’ve always been the linchpin to our shopping trips.”
Paul Richard Richmond said: “Fantastic shop I remember it from the 70s. I bought my first Doc Martens from them an icon of Darlington all the best in your retirement.”
Emma Lidster Easby said: “Your unique quirky interesting shop will be dearly missed in Darlington. There will never be another Guru!!!”
Read more: Darlington woman's anger at church taking belongings on parents' graves 'to the tip'
Richard Devin said: “Good luck with your retirement, you will be sadly missed. Thank you for all you have done for Darlington.”
Richard Anderson said: “Does anyone else remember going in as kids and looking through all of the posters the shop used to have, some of which were no doubt bought and hung proudly in your bedroom. Sad to see it’s closing its doors.”
Donna Dobson said: “Happy memories of trooping down from Middleton in Teesdale in the 80s on the bus just to get joss sticks from Guru. Happy retirement I’m sure it’s well deserved.”
Read next:
- Keys handed over at Darlington Museum ahead of major refurbishment
- Vigil to be held at Darlington Forum for murdered transgender teen Brianna Ghey
- Celebrate our office move with us and save money on a digital subscription
Get more from The Northern Echo. Save 20% on a Premium Plus digital subscription this month.
Emma Hardey said: “Been going there since I was, can’t believe Beryl is that age!! Wow! A lovely lady. Bought most of my docs from Colin, fantastic shop, always loved going in there.”
Dee Finlayson said: “Such a lovely shop and amazing people. You will be missed for sure. Enjoy you well deserved retirement happy days.”
The current lease on the shop runs out in June and Beryl, Tony and Colin jointly agreed that it wasn’t right to extend it for another three years.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here